Many homeowners will agree that there are few home emergencies more frustrating and urgent than a leaky roof—after all, your home is supposed to protect you and your belongings from the elements, and it’s hard to feel too secure when water is flowing into your living space. Making matters worse is the fact that a leaky roof doesn’t develop overnight—by the time the water is dripping through your ceiling or making your walls bubble, the problem has likely been developing for a long time.

A skilled roofing contractor in Central Florida will be well equipped to deal with any roofing challenge you can throw their way, but there’s always the problem of what to do while you’re waiting for them to arrive. Particularly during bouts of severe weather, it may take awhile for help to show up. While you’re waiting, there are some steps you can take to minimize damage and feel like you have at least a little power in the situation.

Understanding the source of leaks

Figuring out why your roof is leaking can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Understanding some of the common causes of leaky roofs can help. While most roofs are very solidly built, they can deteriorate over time, and some parts are especially susceptible to damage. Any penetration in your roof—whether intentional, such as a chimney or ventilation device, or unintentional—can be an obvious route for water to enter your home. Those unintentional breaches in your roof’s security can come from damaged, dislodged or totally missing shingles, for example, as well as from damaged flashing or skylights. Being able to identify any of these culprits will make repairs go more smoothly.

How to manage in the meantime

Waiting for a roofing contractor to arrive takes on an extra sense of urgency when you can see your home being slowly (or quickly) damaged. Fortunately, you don’t have to just sit there and passively watch the damage as it occurs. While you probably aren’t equipped to deal with the exterior source of the problem, combating interior damage doesn’t require much more than some towels and buckets. Move anything in danger of damage away from any leaks, and try to keep the water from soaking into your floors. Next, you can check your attic and attempt to identify the location at which the water is entering as well as the path it’s taking. Often, water won’t drip straight through—it will more likely find a beam or other slope to run down. Follow the water from the ceiling leak to its point of origin. If you can stick a bucket under it, that’s better than nothing. Ultimately, your goal should be to keep the situation under control and as stable as possible until your contractor arrives.

Winter Springs Roofing & Repairs should be your preferred roofing contractor in Central Florida. We are experienced and equipped to deal with any roof problems you may be experiencing, and will complete any tasks thoroughly, efficiently and with the utmost professional care. Call us as soon as you notice a problem with your roof.